Convocatorio para internado: Librarians-in-Residence en la Biblioteca del Congreso

The Library of Congress seeks early-career librarians to bring their intellectual engagement, technological savvy, and theoretical understanding of library and information science concepts to bear on practical challenges via the Librarians-in-Residence program. The program is managed by Internship and Fellowship Programs, Library Collections and Services Group.

About the Librarians-in-Residence program:

The Librarians-in-Residence program offers early-career librarians the opportunity to develop their expertise and contribute to building, stewarding, or sharing the national collection. Some Librarians-in-Residence may also have the chance to create, manage, and distribute national collection metadata.

Library staff will mentor recently graduated librarians, emphasizing the application of theory to practice through hands-on work. During the six-month appointment, the Librarians-in-Residence will gain meaningful experience in at least one of the following core work areas: acquisitions and collection development; cataloging and metadata; collection preservation; reference and instruction; systems and standards; and digital management of information assets.

Librarians-in-Residence will also be expected to present information from their educational experiences to Library of Congress staff in formal or informal settings.

The service units sponsoring librarian residents are Library Services; National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled; the Law Library of Congress; the Congressional Research Service; and the U.S. Copyright Office.

Knowledge Development:

Applies knowledge of standard library methods, techniques, concepts, and principles of one or more specialty areas of librarianship to independently perform assignments in acquisitions and collection development, cataloging and metadata, collection preservation, reference and instruction, systems and standards, and digital management of information assets.

Develops knowledge of the types of materials within the Library’s collections, including how they are collected, acquired, cataloged, preserved, and shared, and the procedures governing their use. Develops and maintains personal contacts and cooperative work relationships with librarians and others in Library Services; National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled; the Law Library of Congress; the Congressional Research Service; and the U.S. Copyright Office, with colleagues in other residency programs, and with subject matter experts in the field of librarianship and information science to provide or exchange information. Presents information to groups and persons with similar understanding of the subject. Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for professional development.

Practical Skill Application:

Utilizes standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to complete assignments related to one or more specialty areas of librarianship.

Catalogs various materials in an automated cataloging environment where the bibliographic characteristics of the material are relatively easy to determine and cataloging decisions are made within established standards. Searches entries in automated and manual catalogs. Assigns headings to catalog entries. Resolves routine problems promptly and independently, involving the supervisor on only the more difficult problems and recommends solutions or courses of action.

Applies standard rules, guidelines, and reference tools and established techniques and practices; and participates in formulating plans for changes and improvements to cataloging-related issues.

Provides reference and/or research services where needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews or written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are readily accessible, i.e., can be found within the Library’s collections or a database by use of standard search procedures. Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of the collection’s materials. Obtains, analyzes, and organizes information using standard reference tools and established techniques and practices. Searches and creates annotated bibliographies, guides, or other knowledge products to facilitate the client finding subject specific information and resources in print and online.

Assists in the creation and maintenance of information systems to manage the Library’s collections and meet existing and foreseeable needs for reference and research support. This includes assisting with creating, managing, and distributing national collection metadata and related standards.

Monitors the condition of collection material to ensure adherence to established standards and specifications and brings deteriorating items and those with special needs to the attention of division management.

Shares responsibility for the security and safe handling of materials by adhering to the Library’s collection security policies and procedures. Ensures items are not damaged, misfiled, or lost through use.

Participates in formulating plans for collection development limited to developing factual data, and provides assistance in investigating minor collection problems, issues, or questions to recommend courses of action.